Reading test results raise concerns

Reading remains the cornerstone of academic and life success in our society.

It's critical for third-graders to be proficient readers before advancing to higher grades where reading becomes more and more important to learning all subjects.

So we don't quarrel with the basic concept of Ohio's Third Grade Reading Guarantee, a state law fully in place this year requiring third-graders who can't pass a reading proficiency test to repeat third grade or at least third-grade reading classes. We're only setting kids up for failure if we let them skate along into upper grades without the proper reading foundation.

But we're deeply concerned by the results of the first test administered earlier this fall by the Ohio Department of Education. Only 57 percent of students tested at proficient or above, with charter school children passing just 36 percent of the time.

Those are steep drops from the same test last year, raising questions about whether Ohio has invested enough resources into helping children, especially those from homes where reading is not a priority. With Common Core standards being worked into the test for the first time, it also shows the growing expectations for student achievement.

About 34 percent of Ohio third-graders scored below the so-called "cut" line, meaning they are at risk for being held back unless they do better on the second test administration near the end of the school year. Last year, only 81 percent tested proficient after the second test.

Proponents of Ohio's third-grade reading guarantee have pointed to the success of a similar program in Florida where reading scores have grown. But other "guarantee" states have not seen scores improve.

Ohio's schools, especially here in the Muskingum Valley area, have been working to identify struggling readers for years and provide them with the special attention they need to get up to speed. Sure, this program applies more pressure to make sure that happens, but the accountability of testing mandated by lawmakers has existed for years in higher grades.

Even worse, many studies have shown holding children back often creates more problems than it solves, including increasing the chances of kids dropping out. Retention decisions should be made by teachers and administrators who know children best.

We also find it disingenuous for Ohio lawmakers to implement this "guarantee" without really investing in our schools, reading programs, all-day kindergarten and expanded free preschool opportunities. If we really want to help kids, why not restore funding for public preschool to help get kids ready for the test?

There's going to be plenty on the line when third-graders retake the test beginning in late April.

We hope Ohio lawmakers are really ready for the consequences of their "guarantee."

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Reading test results raise concerns

Reading remains the cornerstone of academic and life success in our society.